Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1887-09-29


whole; think well before you decide.
Remember, if you reject linn we are
beggars; accept him, and you have
millions at your feet-more even than
/ ever owned"
Again he waited for his answer.
Presently she spoke:
sit is indeed great blow to me,
papa; but we are both well and able
to work, and [ am sure We can get
along some way"
MY child, you do not know what
you are saying. You work, who never
did a thing in your life! Look at your
hands, soft as baby's. Look at your
face, and tell me if it looks like a pict-
urel of health. No, my child; you
could not do it. We mi ght get along
for while, it is true; but | am grow
ing old, my hair is already thickly
sprinkled with grey, and am far from
well; | should wear out, and then what
would you do? Once more | ask you
for my sake, do not refuse.
Elsie had remained standing while
he spoke; suddenly she said:
''For your sake, papa, | will accept
him as my husband"
''God bless you, my child, and make
you happy?'
At eight o'clock that evening. Mr.
Merle came and received his answer
They were married and her father
lived with them.
Elsie was comparatively happy.
For if she did not love her husband
she certainly had great respect for
him.
He was kind and tender; no wish
was left ungratified.
When her daughter Nellie was ten
years old her father was taken very
sick; and one night he sent for her to
come to him; he wished to see her
alone.
She went, and he told her he inter-
cepted the letters she wrote to her
lover, and also those written by him.
'And now that Pm going to die, |
could not rest with this on my mind.
Say you forgive me, dear Elsie; [ did
not mean it for harm, only for your
good"
1t was 4 hard struggle, for Elsie
loved the memory of her lover vet,
and, whether dead or living, he was
dear to her. But she remembered it
was her father, and the desired words
of forgiveness were spoken, and the
old man breathed his last.
About two years before our story
opens Mr.. Merle died, and after the
funeral expenses were paid, and the
debts settled, Mrs. Merle found she
had but a few hundreds left Nellie
was quite strong and robust, but her
mother was feeble She had not been
strong for years, and now the death of
her husband and loss of property
seemed to break her down still more.
They got along quite well for time.
Nellie succeeded in obtaining a few
music-scholars, and then they had the
little money that was left to fall back
on.
But little by little the funds were
dwindling away, and Nellie and her
mother picked up what few things they
had and removed to the city, where
they hoped to find work.
But Nellie's search was fruitless,
and this night she cooked the last food
they had for supper, and after they
had eaten, found there was scarcely
enough left for breakfast and not q
penny to buy more.
What to do, Nellie could not think.
Her mother must not know, at any
rate.
Suddenly thought struck her. She
could sing; she had fine voice, and
had received thorough training. She
knew her mother would not approve
of her going out in the street to sing,
but she must do something. SO she
resolved to say nothing about it to her
mother.
The next morning she arrayed her
self as we'll as her scanty wardrobe
would allow, and taking her guitar,
one of the relics of better days, she
went out and turned into an aristo-
cratic street. Finally pausing before
one of the many beautiful residences,
she began a song of ''ye olden time,
playing the accompaniment on the
guitar.
Hugh Denvers sat in his elegant
study, his head bowed upon his hands
as if in deep thought.
Through the open windows the
balmy morning air came stealing in.
Suddenly-breaking the quiet
a voice-clear, melodious, singing an
old song full of plaintiveness.
He started from his seat. That
voice. he had heard it before.
Louder, sweeter, the music came
floating up.
Stepping to the window he saw a
young girl; but her face he could not
see.
Il must find out who she is" he
mur1nured, touching, as he said so, q
little silver bell.
Instantly a servant appeared.
John, 90 tell the young woman
that is singing in the street, | wish to
speak with her"
The servant bowed and left the room,
reappearing in few minutes with
the young street-singer, and then with
drew.
Mr.. Denvers motioned her to be
seated, and then said:
Young lady'-he could not bring
himself to say otherwise, for, though
her dress was of the coarsest, he felt
she was a lady born-''your voice is